Connecticut voters are feeling the impact of the rise in gas prices, but they expect the
problem to ease up, and by a 66 - 33 percent margin they say they have no plans to cut back on
summer driving, according to a Quinnipiac University Poll released today.

Asked if the rise in gas prices has had an impact on them or their families, 27 percent say "a great deal," while 38 percent say "some impact" and 35 percent say "not much."

Only 17 percent of Connecticut voters expect even higher gas prices in the next month,
while 35 percent expect lower prices and 47 percent say prices will be about the same.

Asked who is most responsible for the increase in gasoline prices:

33 percent blame the oil companies;

35 percent blame the oil-producing nations;

19 percent blame the federal government;

8 percent blame American consumers.

"Connecticut voters are feeling the impact of rising gas prices, but they haven't connected this problem to the political process. Despite the media coverage of this issue, only 3 percent mentioned gas prices as the most important problem or issue they want the next President to address," said Quinnipiac University Poll Director Douglas Schwartz.

"Neither political candidate appears to have the edge on this issue, as voters split 33 - 33 percent on whether Vice President Al Gore or Texas Gov. George W. Bush would do a better job on gas prices," Schwartz added.

Asked how much a President can do to reduce gas prices, 33 percent say "a lot," while 38
percent say "some" and 28 percent say "only a little," or "nothing at all."
Senate Race

Democratic incumbent Joseph Lieberman has a staggering 71 - 14 percent lead over
Waterbury mayor Philip Giordano, his Republican challenger in the U.S. Senate race.

Sen. Lieberman also enjoys a 74 - 15 percent approval rating, the sixth straight poll where Lieberman has topped 70 percent. This is the longest, highest performance by any statewide official in Quinnipiac University polls of New York, New Jersey or Connecticut.

By a 56 - 8 percent margin, voters have a favorable opinion of Lieberman, with 18 percent mixed and 17 percent who haven't heard enough to form an opinion.

Giordano's favorability is a negative 4 - 12 percent with 6 percent mixed and 76 percent
who haven't heard enough to form an opinion.

"Connecticut voters are saying `Philip who?' With less than 4 months until election day, less than a quarter of voters know enough about Republican Senate candidate Philip Giordano to express an opinion about him," Schwartz said.

"Giordano's name recognition should improve after Labor Day, however, he still will face
an uphill battle to unseat the incredibly popular Sen. Lieberman.

From July 12 - 17, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,006 Connecticut registered voters,
with a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.

The Quinnipiac University Poll conducts public opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey
and Connecticut as a public service and for research.
For additional data -- www.quinnipiac.edu

1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way John Rowland is handling his
job as Governor of Connecticut?
*Gen X(born after 1964) *Baby boomers(born 1946-1964) *Matures(born before 1946)

Baby
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom *GenX *Bmrs *Matures

Approve 68% 82% 55% 68% 71% 65% 71% 66% 70%

Disapprove 23 9 35 23 20 25 14 25 24

DK/NA 10 9 9 10 9 10 15 9 6

3. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Joseph Lieberman is handling his
job as United States Senator?

Baby
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom GenX Bmrs Matures

Approve 74% 64% 80% 77% 73% 74% 70% 74% 76%

Disapprove 15 24 9 13 18 13 11 17 13

DK/NA 11 12 11 10 9 13 19 9 10

4. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Christopher Dodd is handling his
job as United States Senator?

Baby
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom GenX Bmrs Matures

Approve 64% 50% 81% 64% 63% 65% 72% 64% 63%

Disapprove 24 38 9 24 27 21 11 25 28

DK/NA 12 12 10 12 10 14 17 12 9

6. Is your opinion of United States Senator Joseph Lieberman favorable,
unfavorable, mixed, or haven't you heard enough about him?

8. If the election for United States Senator from Connecticut this November
were being held today and the candidates were Joseph Lieberman the Democrat
and Philip Giordano the Republican for whom you would vote?